Well good grief, it’s Halloween! This time showing up on a Saturday night. There are many public events taking place, of which I’m only listing a few. Have fun, and remember that music lifts the spirit.

Canadian Girlfriend and The Fables Trio @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Canadian Girlfriend is led by cellist Greg Byers who recently graduated from McNally Smith with a Master of Music in Performance: Other members of the band are Elliot Wachs, Hayden Fihn, Frank Merchlewitz, and Lars Johnson. The Fables Trio is Kevin Gastonguay, keyboards; Andrew Foreman, bass; and Lars Larson, drums.

Thursday, October 29

Emily Green’s Tribute to the 30s @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Vocalist Green and pianist Chris Lomheim are joined by Graydon Peterson on bass; and Reid Kennedy on drums to celebrate songs of the 30s.

Charmin & Shapira @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) An exquisite pairing of vocals and guitar, that shine on both jazz standards by the like of Thelonious Monk and the Great American Songbook.

Friday, October 30

Todd Harper Piano Fridays @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 56:30 – 7:30pm (Tip Jar) You may not be in the mood for any Halloween hijinks. In that case head to the Black Dog where pianist Todd Harper will be joined by bassist Keith Yannes and drummer Eric Courson for an early evening of reflective, delicate, and decidedly un-devilish music on “Devil’s Night.”

Photo of Jeremy Walker by Andrea Canter

Jeremy Walker @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm – 8pm (No Cover) The pianist/composer is back at the Vieux to provide late happy hour/dinner music that’s far, far better than what you’d expect at this time of day.

Magraw, Wells, & Bisong: a Benefit for Music Students in Guyana @ Walker West Music Academy, 760 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul. 8pm (Donation) Tuba player Tom Wells, who plays with Dick and Jane’s Brass Band, and with Maurice Jacox on occasion, will be playing with the fabulous guitarist Dean Magraw, and Ernest Bisong, a young jazz violinist from Guyana. Wells worked with the Guyana Lutheran Music Academy for a few weeks last year and will be retuning this year. Any money raised will go to sponsor 15 Guyana students who took lessons last year but are unable to do so this year without some sponsorship. In lieu of tickets, donations will be accepted at the door.

Hipster Farm Supply Company/Basement Society @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10 Suggested Donation) No matter what the group is called, it’s led by Pete James Johnson, recently returned from Los Angeles, where he spent a number of years playing with folks like Bob Mintzer, Russ Ferrante, Rufus Reid, and Ambrose Akinmusire and more. He’ll be joined by Javi Santiago on piano, and Dan Carpel on bass.

Park Evans, of Battle Cat and other groups. Photo by Andrea Canter

Battle Cat @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. 9pm (Tip Jar) This edition of Friday Night jazz at the Nicollet features Park Evans, guitar; Greg Schutte, drums; and Cody McKinney, bass. Each of these musicians could lead their own band. The combination is sure to spark some musical fireworks.

Saturday, October 31

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm, 8:30pm (Tip Jar) It’s a combination of young guns and seasoned veterans tonight. At 7pm it’s the Will Schmid Trio, featuring Schmid, piano; Alma Engebretson, bass; and Simon Petrick, drums. At 8:30 How Birds Work will perform. This group was a monthly feature back at the Artists’ Quarter, so it’s great to be able to hear them once again: Kenny Horst, drums; Dean Granros, guitar; Peter Schimke, piano; and Chris Bates, bass.

Monday, November 2

U of MN Jazz Ensemble II and Combos @ Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis. 7:30pm (No Cover) Head over to the west bank campus of the U to hear the future of jazz as college students in the Jazz Ensemble II and various combos play for you.

Real Bulls and Enormous Quartet @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) Real Bulls is the dynamic drumming duo of JT Bates and Dave King, both of whom create a pantheon of sounds on their instruments. Second act up is The Enormous Quartet: Park Evans, guitar; Chris Bates, bass; Chris Thompson, sax; and Joey Van Philips, drums.

Tuesday, November 3

Mary Louise Knutson @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm – 8pm (No Cover) Another early evening of exquisite music, this time from pianist Mary Louise Knutson whose album In the Bubble spent considerable time at the top of the jazz charts, and who regularly tours with the Doc Severinsen big band.

Travis Anderson Trio @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 8pm ($5) It’s a very jazz night at the Vieux, as this swinging combination of musicians take the stage after Mary Louise Knutson. Travis Anderson, piano; Steve Pikal, bass; and Nathan Norman, drums; bring lots of energy and chops to their performances.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 28

Katey Belleville on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Americana, Bluegrass, and Folk, from a singer/songwriter/guitarist ho performs originals, traditional tunes, and contemporary tunes from artists like Gillian Welch. Tune in during the 5pm hour, and head over to the 331 to hear her live. She’ll be joined by friends Zach Gusa, guitar and vocals; Justin Bruhn, upright bass; and Mike Hedding on various stringed instruments.

Leon Bridges @ First Avenue, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($22) Well, it’s sold out, but if you can get in, you’ll hear contemporary R&B that evokes, but doesn’t copy the likes of Sam Cooke. Bridges is an excellent songwriter with a voice that’s sweet, yet sure.

Hannah Von Der Hoff & the Dangertones: Humpy’d Halloween @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 10pm ($8, $5 with Costume) Work the kinks out of your costume with this early Halloween special featuring Von Der Hoff, a singer who does a modern take on 60s R&B. She’s got a strong voice that’s well suited to soulful sounds, and a band that serves her well.

Thursday, October 29

Big George Jackson and Jeremy Johnson @ Washington Square, White Bear Lake. 3pm (No Cover) Make your way to the tony NE village for a dose of the blues from gravel voiced Jackson and his guitarist/drummer cohort Johnson. Here he is with a full band.

Badi Assad @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($35) Assad is a Brazilian singer/songwriter as well as a brilliant guitarist, and percussionist. She blends pop, jazz, and world influences with traditional Brazilian music to create exciting performances, as she showed at the Dakota a couple of years ago. Her latest album, Hatched, features her take on songs by Lorde, Skillrex, and Mumford and Sons, among other contemporary artists.

Friday, October 30

Paul Metsa is Going to the Dogs @ Darby’s Pub and Grill, 315 5th Ave N, Minneapolis. $10 Suggested Donation) Singer/composer, guitarist, and author Paul Metsa is celebrating his 60th birthday with a benefit for Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. Paul knows many folks throughout the music industry, so don’t be surprised if some stop by and even perform a song or two.

Ana Popovic @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($25) Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Popovic grew up in a home where her father’s record collection and nightly jam sessions inspired her to take up guitar at the age of fifteen. She eventually moved to the United States and began playing and touring, winning over fans with her electric funk, slide guitar, and jazzy blues. She’s been the only female performer on the Experience Hendrix tours and has been nominated for five Blues Music Awards.

Raw Oyster Cult @ Bunker’s, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($25) Celebrate the Halloween weekend with the music of New Orleans’ Raw Oyster Cult featuring members of the Radiators, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, and Papa Grows Funk: Dave Malone, vocals and guitar; Camile Baudoin, guitar; Frank Bua, drums, John “Papa” Gros, vocals, keys; and David Pomerleau, bass. Saturday’s show will feature the Krewe of DADs 30th Annual Masquerade Ball: “I Walked With Zombies.” Here’s an example of the Cult .

Saturday, October 31

Jeremy Messersmith & Friends present The Undead Masquerade @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25) Billed as an Evening of Music and the Macabre, this show will feature Messersmith’s 2010 CD, “The Reluctant Graveyard” (Named by NPR as one of the Top Ten Albums of the year) in its entirety, as well as an assortment of ghoulish tunes. Guests include Chris Koza, Aby Wolf, Lydia Hoglund (Bomba De Luz), and Natalie Lovejoy. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Lamont Cranston Halloween Party @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm – 11pm. Pat Hayes has been carrying on and leading this band since 1969, and as a result, knows how to fill a dance floor and get the party going, whether for New Year’s, Halloween or any other occasion. Lamont Cranston has been named Best Twin Cities Blues Band a number of times, served as the inspiration for Dan Ackroyd’s Blues Brothers,and served as the opening band for a leg of a Rolling Stones tour. Here’s one of their instrumental workouts.

Daddy Squeeze joins Corpse Reviver @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 3 – 5:30pm (Tip Jar) Dan Newton, master of the “Stomach Steinway” sits in with Corpse Reviver: Adam Kiesling, playing a new Banjo; Mikkel Beckmen, washboard and prcussion; and Jillian Rae, fiddle; for a spirited afternoon of music from the Anthology of American Folk Music! Here’s a lighthearted version of a classic.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

World music is part of a couple of this week’s jazz offerings, while blues and roots music for the week includes a giant puppet extravaganza, a day of blues, a CD release party, and an 18 minute monologue about the perils of being arrested for littering. As you partake of this week’s night life (and occasional daytime offering), remember, Music Lifts the Spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, October 21

Chris Lomheim Quintet @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) As a leader, pianist Lomheim usually heads up a trio, but tonight he’s playing with a couple of horns as well, which will add new layers of sound and creativity to this performance. Jay Young, bass; Dave Schmalenberger, drums; Adam Rossmiller, trumpet, and Pete Whitman, saxophones.

Thursday, October 22

Yohannes Tona Group @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm (No Cover) Bassist Yohannes Tona hails from Ethiopia, and has become a sought after musician in town, based on his ability to be imaginative in all sorts of musical settings. Tonight, he’ll bring a stellar group of musicians to the Icehouse stage: Brian Gallagher, sax & flute; Brian Zemniak, keyboards; Geeff LeCrone, guitar; Demetrius Mabry, drums; and Daryl Boudreaux, percussion with Jamecia Bennett on vocals, as well as some special guests. Here is Tona with a slightly different group.

Friday, October 23

Will Schmid New Quintet @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. 7pm (Tip Jar) The next generation of jazz. This group is led by guitarist Schmid, a senior at Minnetonka HS. Other members are Gerhardt Robinson, sax (SW HS); Jordan Anderson, piano (Nova Classical Academy); Alma Engebretson, bass (Washburn HS); and Simon Petrick, drums (Mainstreet Academy).

Farah Siraj @ Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 8pm ($20) This Jordanian songstress is known as Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress.” Siraj leads an ethnically diverse quintet, whose members hail from the Middle East, Europe, South America, and the United States, playing Arabian Flamenco Jazz. Her music addresses many of the world’s issues, including genocide, and military conflicts. Opening is the Zacc Harris duo, with Harris on guitar, and Chris Bates on bass.

Fuzzy Math @ Dakota Late Night, Minneapolis. 11:30pm ($5) Late night jazz for “people who don’t like jazz,” as City Pages quipped. Fuzzy Math is: Mark Vandermyde, piano; Haralds Bondaris on drums, Andrew Schwandt on sax, and Matt Peterson on upright bass. While this isn’t a music video by Fuzzy Math, it certainly is about fuzzy math of a different kind, you might find it humorous.

Pippi Ardennia Celebrates her Birthday @ Bedlam Lowertown, Saint Paul. 67:30pm – 9:30pm ($20) Ms Ardennia’s “Feel Good” music does just that, doubly so this evening as she celebrates her birthday. A portion of the proceeds ($5) will go to the Bedlam Theater. She’ll be joined by Dennis Landeen, sax; Scott Ives, guitar; Irving Colacci, keys; Tony Guscetti, drums; and Richard Kronick, bass; as well a four members of the PipJazz Youth All stars.

Sunday, October 25

Benny Green Trio @ the Dakota, Minneapolis. 6pm ($20, $30) Though pianist Green is a favorite of Twin Cities jazz fans, we haven’t seen enough of him lately, so this is a treat. He emerged from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers to record and perform with such legend as Ray Brown (where we first heard him in town), Betty Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Etta Jones and Oscar Peterson. He regularly lectures aft places like Julliard, Berklee, The Brubeck Institute and the Thelonious Monk Institute, and is in town for a piano workshop for high school students.

Jane Monheit @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25 – $42) It’s been a dozen or so years since Monheit was “the next big thing.” In the intervening years she’s matured and married, and is fulfilling her promise. She has a wide vocal range, a great ear, and enough sense of restraint to keep from overpowering her material. Here’s a video that displays many of her vocal qualities.

Benny Weinbeck @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm – 10pm (No Cover) Well, if you don’t get to Parma 8200 on a Saturday night, you can head north instead to this club about a mile north of 494 on Central Avenue to hear pianist Weinbeck I assume that he’ll have Gordy Johnson on bass and Phil Hey on drums, though they aren’t listed on the club’s calendar.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 21

Charlie Parr on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Parr grew up without a TV, but did have his dad’s recordings of American roots music, including records by Charley Patton, Lightinin’ Hopkins, Woody Guthrie, and Leadbelly. Now he plays original and traditional folk and Piedmont style blues, playing National resonator guitar, a 12-String and the occasional banjo. Listen in, and head over to the 331 afterwards.

Thursday, October 22

Nikki Hill @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($20) Those of you who have been lamenting the disappearance of “real rock n’ roll” should hie down to the Dakota tonight, as Ms Hill is a fireball of rock n’ roll energy. This is roots music on steroids – a rockabilly/R&B rave up with touches of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Staples at their most energized. She just released a new CD on Monday, so this is a celebration.

Friday, October 23

Charlie Parr @ The Landmark Center, Saint Paul. 8pm ($25) If you didn’t get to see Parr at the 331 Club on Wednesday (see above), you can catch him while sitting in the comfort of Weyerhauser Auditorium in the Landmark, where the acoustics are great. He released Stump Jumper on Red House Records last Spring, which got a highly positive review in Downbeat, of all places.

Ben Cook-Feltz Album Release @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 10 pm (No Cover) Cook-Feltz is celebrating the release of a new CD, She Doesn’t Believe Me. He’s a clever singer/songwriter, with plain spoken (plain-sung?) words and a bit of a pop sensibility. A couple of my faves, Jillian Rae, and Doug Otto & the Getaways, open. Here is Ben at his last CD Release party.

Saturday, October 24

Nikki Roux & Rich Rue @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm – 8:30pm (No Cover) The Vieux’s early evening shows are a delightful addition to our nightlife. Tonight the rich, clear voice of Nikki Roux and the fleet fingers of her guitar-slinging partner Rich Rue combine to present original folk-rock and blues, with the occasional interesting cover of songs from the 60s.

Kate Lynch & Her Most Excellent Fellows @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) Bassist/vocalist Lynch plays music for dancers – fox trotters, swing dancers, and those in between. Her repertoire ranges from the 30s to the 60s, but sounds anything but dated.

Saturday, Sunday, October 24, 25

22nd Annual BareBones Halloween Outdoor Puppet Extravaganza @ Hidden Falls Regional Park, Saint Paul. 7pm ($10-$20 suggested Donation at the Gate) This annual production is almost indescribable, though it does involve giant puppets performing outdoors. There’s always a theme, some acrobatics, stilt walkers, dance, fire, and music, as well as a moment where the audience is invited, through a public naming ceremony, to honor friends and relatives who have passed on. Afterwards The Brass Messengers will play their Gypsy Brass Band party music. This is a non-commercial, family-friendly event. If you don’t get to it this weekend, it will also occur next weekend. Here’s a very short clip from last year.

Katy Vernon “Present” CD Release @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 5pm ($10) British-born singer/guitarist/ukelelist Vernon’s past work has often dealt with life’s challenges, reflecting in part, the loss of her parents when she was a teenager. She characterized that music as “Sad songs on a happy instrument,” in reference to her use of the ukulele. With Present, however, she takes on the here and now, with uplifting results, as revealed on her charming CD single, Pearl/Lilly. With Kevin Bowe opening. Here’s the video for Pearl.

Nosferatu and Live Orchestra @ The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis. 7pm ($10) Okay, here’s the original Vampire movie, from 1922. Since the silents always had live accompaniment, albeit generally an organ or piano player, this showing will be accompanied by the Rats & People Orchestra featuring Beth Dill, violin & theremin; Seth Hayek, percussion & vibes; Danielle Solheim, violin; Teresa Mayer, Viola; Chelsea Parker, violin; Christine Palmer, piano; trumpet, & trombone; and Travis Lee, on guitar. Their music is contemporary, yet complementary to the film. The last time this troupe played for this film, it sold out. Advance tickets are available through the Parkway. Here’s a clip of the film, with a completely different score.

Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant @ The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, Saint Katherine’s University, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($29 – $73) Guthrie the son of Woody, made lots of friends with his 18 minute plus, satirical counter-culture story of being arrested for littering, and as a result, not being moral enough to join the Army. It’s based on an actual experience of being cited for littering on Thanksgiving, 1965, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the event, he’s performing it in it’s entirety, along with telling stories and singing other hits of his. He’s a funny storyteller, as you might find in this video.

Monday, October 26

Kat Edmonson @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($30) Ms Edmonson is a singer with a sweet sound and expressive voice that’s comfortable in pop, jazz, and even the country music of her native Texas. She’s impressed in previous shows, and her latest CD, The Big Picture, features original songs and a production sensibility that seems inspired by pop music from the 50s and 60s, providing a matured girl-group atmosphere. Milton opens.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

Can it really be the middle of October already? Whatever the time of year may be, we’ve got more music than a person can attend in a week, and are lucky for it. New combinations of Twin Cities musicians, music from around the world, and visiting musicians of note. Get out and enjoy it. Music lifts the spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, October 14

Debbie Duncan: Billie Holiday Tribute @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) This year marks the centennial of Billie Holiday’s birth, and so we’ve seen a couple of modern tribute albums, and, in other cities, tribute concerts, so this one might be consered as overdue for the Twin Cities. Duncan is an excellent vocalist and interpreter, and I expect she’ll be in top form for this performance. It’s also the 97th birthday of Crooners’ owner Mary T’s mom, just to add even more levity to the celebration.

There has to be a recording studio around here somewhere

Red Planet invites Bill Carrothers @ Creation Audio, 2543 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($25) First, Red Planet, which is Dean Magraw, Chris Bates, and Jay Epstein, will make a recording with pianist Bill Carrothers Then the four of them will hold a concert. Tickets for this amazing collaboration, if still available, and more information, can be had here.

Thursday, October 15

Amina Figurova @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25) This internationally known pianist/composer and bandleader was born in Azerbaijan, spent many years in Rotterdam, and now lives in NYC with her husband and musical partner flautist Bart Platteau. They’ll be joined by Ernie Hamnes, trumpet; Mark Mommaas, tenor; Jeroen Vierdag, bass; and Chris Strik, drums; all of whom are on her latest release. She and her band have won critical acclaim at the Newport Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and all over the world, including the Twin Cities Jazz Festival some years ago.

Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($10) This is one of the few times you can see this big band outside of Jazz Central open rehearsals. They are sure to fill the club with sound, and may even fill it with dancers (at least between the tables).

Friday, October 16

Donald Washington Trio @ the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) For those willing to stray beyond standards, reedman Washington always provides a refreshing blast of musicality, no matter how improvised his music might be. He’ll be joined by son Kevin Washington on drums and Jimmie Wallace on sax. Here’s Washington (center) with a different group.

Yolande Bruce Group @ Walker West Academy, Saint Paul. 8pm ($15) Bruce is appearing as part of the Walker’s Eight O’Clock Jump series. She is known for her work with Moore by Four, and has been active in a solo career, as well as in theater productions at Penumbra, Illusion, Guthrie and the Ordway Theaters.

JoAnn Funk @ The Saint Paul Hotel Lobby Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) Vocalist/pianist Ms Funk is back at the Saint Paul Hotel, entertaining guests and visitors with songs by artists ranging from Blossom Dearie and Nat King Cole to Dan Penn and Leonard Cohen. As always, she’s accompanied by the versatile Jeff Brueske on bass, and occasional guests.

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. (Tip Jar) Another stellar line-up of music for this popular Saturday Night series. At 7pm it’s the Chris Olson Group with Olson, guitar and Greg Byers on Cello mixing and matching tonalities. Then at 8:30pm, Le Percheron plays mostly 21st Century jazz, with Levi Schwartzberg, vibes; Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, trumpet; Cory Healy, drums; and leader Adam Linz on bass. Bound to be a bit crowded, so get there early.

Sunday, October 18

Solomon Parham. Photo by Andrea Cantrer

Solomon’s Sessions @ Bedlam Lowertown, Saint Paul. 7pm ($5) Trumpeter Solomon Parham collects some colleagues and students from MacNally Smith and presents an opportunity for selected musicians to try out their chops in different configurations. It’s a controlled version of a jam session, with participants selected beforehand. Whoever plays, you are sure to hear modern rhythms as well as some long accepted jazz standards.

Monday, October 19

Twin Cities Seven @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) There is no doubt that this is a swinging aggregation that will set your toes to tappin’, your sacroiliac to gyrating, and your mouth to humming. There’ll be some dancing as well. It’s led by saxophonist/clarinetist Doug Haining, and features Dave Graf, Trombone; Steve Wright, trumpet; Kent Saunders, guitar; Rick Carlson, piano; Steve Pikal, bass; and Dick Bortolussi, drums. Maryann Sullivan provides the charming vocals.

Fall of the House of Usher CD Release @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) This is a large aggregation, releasing Icehouse & Elsewhere, an album of both live and studio recordings. Members include: Greg Schutte, Chris Bates, Cole Pulice, Adrian Larkin, Chris Thompson, Chris Cunningham, Ivan Cunningham, Charlie Lincoln, Nathan Hanson, Adam Conrad, Elliott Wachs, Jon Davis, Adam Svec, and many other extremely talented musical voices that roam the sonic free-range of the Twin Cities.

Tuesday, October 20

Laura Caviani Trio @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Caviani is a pianist of wit and taste who also sings from time to time. Tuesday night jazz at Crooners is a fine opportunity to experience her talent.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 14

Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 and 106.7FM), 7pm (331 club – Tip Jar) Once again, host Harold Trembley has booked a blues/roots group for your listening pleasure. King’s original songs evoke Johnny Cash and Tom Waits, using washboard, bass, guitars, and tom toms. Once you hear him singing “Drinking with the Lord,” you may want to get baptized.

Thursday, October 15

Alma Andina @ The World Live! at the Hill, JJ Hill Library, downtown Saint Paul. 7pm ($10 Advance/$15 Door) The JJ Hill Library is producing a new series of world musics in collaboration with Fresh Air Radio. Tonight kicks off the series with Alma Andina performing Andean and Latin American music, with a decidedly modern bent, though there is not doubt that Andean flutes will be involved. There’s likely to be a small dance floor, not to forget some adult beverages and a chance to hear how the library can help entrepreneurs.

Deano and the Dinosaurs @ Dusty’s, NE Minneapolis. 8pm (Tip Jar) Described as uncomfortably disturbing yet harmless, it’s Dress Like Deano Day, celebrating the birthday of Dean Mikkelson, a superb guitarist. He’ll be joined by Dean Harrington, guitar; Tom Lewis, upright bass; and Dehl Gallagher, drums. Don’t be surprised to see special guests. As to dressing like Deano, get some Converse Chuck Taylors and a cabin shirt, and you’ll be set. Prizes for best costume, dirty joke, and Deano-ism.

Scottie Miller Band CD Release @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10) Keyboard player Miller is releasing his 9th CD, Reciprocation. At times, his piano playing evokes the New Orleans sound of Professor Longhair, the Chicago blues of Otis Spann, and the Mississippi piano of Pinetop Perkins, though he own style, influenced by rock n’ roll, always shines through. Miller is an inductee into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, has received a Blues Music Award, and is the touring keyboard player for Ruthie Foster.

Reina Del Cid @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 10:30pm ($8) Del Cid is a singer/songwriter and guitarist with a great way with words, and inspired covers. She has a great band, especially guitarist Toni Lindgren, whose work turns the literary mindfulness of Del Cid’s songs into engaging pop rock. Opening are The Meadows: Pete Linham, Wendy Lewis, and Jeff Waryan.

Saturday, October 17

Edgar Winter @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45 – $75) Back in the 70s, the heavy sound of The Edgar Winter Group’s synth-driven Frankenstein was all over the radio. Previous to that, his lesser known, but still successful group White Trash made some noise as as a hard charging R&B horn band. My guess is that some members of the audience may want to use the ear plugs available at the club’s entrance while rockin’ out.

Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood @ The Riverview Cafe, Minneapolis. 8pm ($13) We have a number of fine finger-pickers in the Twin Cities, and tonight two of them (each of whom won the National Fingerpicking Championship – in different years). Heywood has a pleasant baritone voice as well, which he puts to good use every once in a while.

Flamin’ Oh’s Record Release Party @ Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis. 9pm. ($10) Another record release party, this time from that Twin Cities 80s favorite the Flamin’ Oh’s. The Groove open at 9pm, followed by the Oh’s at 10:15, and Little Man at midnight. Here’s one of the Ohs better known songs.

Sunday, October 18

Pedrito Martinez Group @ The Ordway, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($23) Conguero/percussionist Martinez appeared at the Dakota last March, and at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival the summer before last. He’s a Cuban-born virtuoso, who has supplied rhythms for folks like Eddie Palmieri, Bebo Valdes, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Joe Lovano, among others. There will be a dance floor, and a discussion of Cuban-American cultural exchanges at 6:30.

Tuesday, October 20

Paul Mayasich and guests Maurice Jacox and Bobby E. @ The Station, White Bear Lake. 8pm (No Cover) Their collaboration at the Station a few months ago was delightful, so Paul asked Maurice and Bobby back for another night of soulful vocals and stunning guitar work.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

The National Dance Theater of Jamaica, performing at the Jamaica Heritage Expo on Sunday

It’s another week of great music from resident and visiting artists alike, including Hawaiian music as performed by a chamber vocal ensemble, world jazz, reggae, and of course, the blues. Music lifts the spirit. Have fun!

Suzanne Paris @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30 – 9:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) It’s vocal night at Jazz Central, and Ms Paris, who has been raising a family for the last 15 years, is returning to performing. She was mentored by Buddy Montgomery, and performed as both a soloist and as a background vocalist for major recording artists such as Dave Mason and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. Her repertoire runs from pop to standards. Here she is doing a blues.

Atrium Jazz Ensemble: Confluence @ Target Atrium of Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($?) Pianist Jeremy Walker kicks off a new season of jazz in the atrium with the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Bob Dylan, and Walker’s suite “A River Like a Train” featuring Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson from New Orleans, alto sax; Chris Thomson, tenor sax; Jeremy Walker, piano; Jeff Brueske, bass; and Tim Zhorne, drums. Here is Anderson fronting his own band.

Trumpet Night @ Khyber Pass Cafe, Saint Paul. 9pm ($5) It’s always an adventure at this small venue that features wine, beer, and a few food items for these late night soirees. First set is a duo with Steve Kenny and Adam Linz. Second set is a trumpet trio with Noah Baldwin, Jake Baldwin and Elaine Evans.

Friday, October 9

Bob Parsons Quartet @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10 suggested Donation) Parsons is a saxophonist/arranger who spent 15 years in the Big Apple, appearing on over 30 records for Blue Note, Verve, and Steeplechase Records. Since returning to the Twin Cities in 2008, he’s created arrangements for both the Acme Jazz Company and the Andrew Walesch project 100 Years of Sinatra. He’ll be join by Chris Lomheim, piano; Graydon Peterson, bass; and Mac Santiago, drums.

Bottomless Pit and Live Painting @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. 9pm. Tim Nyberg will once again be painting to live music, this time performed by the A-list of Eric Kamau Gravatt, drums; Joel Shapira, guitar; Pete Whitman, sax; and Tom Lewis, bass. Tim even has a video showing how he paints to music.

Saturday, October 10

Black Violin @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($42), 9pm ($35) Classically trained Will B and Kev Marcus play violin and viola, and use those instruments to deliver a blend of classical, hip-hop, and R&B, with a tip of the hat to bluegrass music once in a while. They’ve played the President’s Inaugural Ball, backed Alicia Keys at the 2004 Billboard Awards, and have collaborated with Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin, and other legendary acts. Listen as they turn the Brandenburg Concerto into a hip-hop jam.

Mauilotus: The Marilyn Allysum Group @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7pm – 9pm ($15 advance/$20 Door) Global Jazz from the group formally known as Quintessence. Mauilotus uses a variety of Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Western instruments to weave the musical traditions of East and West into a unique soundscape. Allysum, piano, flute, Gu Zheng, and voice; Charles Fletcher, bass; guitars; Mike Hurley, drums and percussion; and David Wolfe, Persian harp.

Monday, October 12

Charmin and Shapira and Friends @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm (No cover) Charmin Michelle’s voice is sweet and smooth as whipping cream, while Joel Shapira’s guitar provides a light, yet swinging accompaniment. They’ll be joined by friends Paul Harper on sax; Tom Lewis on bass; and Nathan Norman on drums.

Tuesday, October 13

Phil Hey Quartet @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) This might be the best jazz group in the Twin Cities, and that’s saying something, given the talent in town. This is their debut at Crooners, and the dance floor will be filled with tables for a listening audience. Dave Hagedorn, vibes; Tom Lewis, bass; Phil Aaron, piano; and Phil Hey, drums; play the music of Ornette Coleman, Chick Corea, Don Cherry, and others.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 7

Bingham & Thorne on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – tip Jar) These veteran guitarists (Thorn also plays mandolin) deliver anecdotes, humor, and philosophy as well as the blues. They’re equally at home playing on a porch, in a club, or at a festival. They’ll be joined by fiddle master Randy Sabien, and no doubt harpist/host will join in on a tune or two. Tune in at 5pm, and if you like what you hear, which is likely, catch them live at the 331 Club.

Mark Lickteig’s Original Soul Revue @ The Pourhouse, 10 South 5th St, Minneapolis. 9pm ($5) Mark Lickteig and the Vicious Licks (horns and Hammond B-3), with special guest Ali Washington. You probably know vocalist/intsrumentalist Lickteig from his work with bands like Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers, the R Factor, Free and Easy, and his weekly appearances with Mambo’s Combo (The Combo) at Bunker’s. He’s got a powerful voice that holds it own against horn bands and communicates soulful emotion. He’s finally released a CD of his own, Workin’ , backed by the cream of Twin Cities jazz and R&B players.

Thursday, October 8

Portland Cello Project @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($20) Chamber music that stretches boundaries and appeals to all demographics. The group can range in size from a quartet to a 12 piece accompanied by chorus and orchestras. They’ve collaborated with folks like the Dandy Warhols and Trampled by Turtles, and have played symphony halls, NYC loading docks, and Prairie Home Companion.

Thursday, Friday, October 8, 9

Dave and Phil Alvin and the Guilty Ones @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($35 – $40) Back together again, after the success of Common Ground, their album of Big Bill Broonzy Songs, the brothers Alvin of The Blasters, celebrate the music of James Brown, Leadbelly, Willie Dixon, Big Joe Turner, and other inspirations on their latest, Lost Time. Here they are performing a Big Bill Broonzy song.

Friday, October 9

Armadillo Jump @ Wilebski’s Blues Saloon, Saint Paul. 6pm – 10pm ($5) Get jumpin’ with this unassuming rockin’ R&B quintet They just want folks to dance, and are very successful at doing that. Guitarist Johnny Coburn leads the group and provides some original songs, but their playlist includes songs by Larry Garner, Susan Tedeschi, J Geils, ZZ Top, and even Norah Jones. Monica Louise provides powerful vocals, Mike Brisson, bass; and Nick Zwak drums; provide the foundation, while Rose Duffy provides both sweetening and strength on sax.

John Primer @ Famous Dave’s, Minneapolis. 9pm ($7) Primer’s is a classic blues story: as a Mississippi born child he created a homemade guitar by nailing broom wire to the wall of a house; inspired by Muddy Waters, Little Milton, and BB King songs he heard on the radio; migrated to Chicago and played West side clubs, and became a member of the house band at Theresa’s on the South Side, playing with the likes of Jr Well,s Buddy Guy, and Lonnie Brooks; and working in the bands of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Magic Slim. I’ve said it of others, but there is not doubt that he’s the real deal.

The Rose Ensemble: The Last Queen of Hawaii @ Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis. 7pm ($15 – $37) Here in the Midwest we rarely learn much about Hawaii’s heritage and history, so this performance gives us a peek at Hawaii’s music and dance heritage as this vocal chamber group performs an ancient chant, Victorian Parlor tunes, missionary hymns, and cowboy tunes. It ends with the imprisonment of Queen Lilli’uokalani, composer of the famous Aloha ‘Oe. Listen.

Friday, Saturday, October 9, 10

UkeFest @ The Aster Cafe, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10) The oft-maligned ukelele is celebrated at this Fourth Annual Ukefest, which now takes up two evenings, and features members of the Hula Peppers, the Meteor Bos, and The Lau Hawaiian Collective, as well as the festivals’ founder Katy Vernon, and Lynn O’Brien, Jake Rowan, and many more. Ukeleles are welcome for the sing-along at the end of the night.

Saturday, October 10

The Butanes @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) The Twin Cities best blues band makes its debut at the northern suburb lounge (about a mile north of 694 on Central) with a dance floor. Here they are with an instrumental.

Roundhouse on Tap, featuring Davina & The Vagabonds @ The Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Avenue East, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($20) Rowdy music at the Roundhouse, with a tour of the museum, some history, and beer thrown in for good measure. Learn more, including how to take part in an optional vintage bus tour and beer tasting at Urban Growler, by going here.

Jeff Ray & Stakes CD Release Party @ Golden’s Deli, 275 4th Street East, Saint Paul. 8pm ($7) Golden’s Deli is a Lowertown spot that features occasional music and poetry to go with its soups, salads, beer, and wine. Jeff Ray and the Stakes (Hurricane Harold Tremblay, harmonica; Nick Salisbury, bass; Mikkel Beckmen, percussion) have a new CD, entitled Valhalla, brimming with lively acoustic blues, including Ray originals and tunes from the Grateful Dead, Bobby Blue Bland, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. As an added bonus, they have the great guitarist Pat Donahue as a special guest. Here’s Jeff, Harold, and Mikkel.

Sunday, October 11

MN Blues Hall of Fame Celebration @ Wilebski’s, Saint Paul. 12:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) This annual event celebrates the best of Minnesota Blues. Today’s inductees include Big George Jackson, John Beach, and Donald “Hye Pockets” Robertson. There will be speeches and lots of blues music.

Jamaica Heritage Expo feat. Marcia Griffiths @ The Cowles Center, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($40) Expo begins at 4pm, featuring special performances by National Dance Theater of Jamaica. At 8:30pm Marcia Griffiths (The Empress of Reggae) takes the stage. Here’s a chance to learn more about true culture and heritage of this Caribbean nation. Then, at 8:30, thrill to music from Ms Griffiths, who started her career with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, went out to perform as a member of the I-Threes (backing Bob Marley), recorded and performed with Bob Andy as Bob and Marcia, and has had her own successful solo career. Her version of Electric Boogie started the Electric Slide dance craze (you’ve seen it at weddings), becoming the highest selling single of any female reggae singer.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.